Inside, the Ignis is more spacious than first seems apparent. The wide cabin and thin seats allow for more passenger room and the smart layout allows more features to be accommodated in a smarter manner. The front seats are comfortable as are the rear ones and the roominess is commendable. The large glass windows also add to the feel, letting in more light and adding an airy and spacious feel to the cabin. There are a couple of bottle-holders at the front in the doors and enough storage space in the rear too. The trim accents in the body colour — should you choose blue or red — add to the colour inside, as does the colour-coded dial in the info-console. Add the auto climate to the list and you realise that the amount of kit is good. Not just good, great; because the Ignis also marks the arrival of standard ABS and dual front airbags to the Nexa cars. The Ignis gets ISOFIX child-seat anchors as well. The adjustable head restraints front and rear are also notable additions. Safety isn’t compromised here and that’s a good feeling.
More kit comes in the form of the touchscreen multimedia, navigation and communication interface as well as banging sound system. With four speakers, two tweeters and USB, Aux and Bluetooth connectivity, plus Android Auto, which I appreciated, it lets you hook up to the system in all the right ways and get going with ease.
Speaking of which, the Ignis is very easy going. The car’s proportions are almost instantaneously programmed into your awareness and you can simply get a move on without worrying about things like getting familiar with its dimensions. The petrol engine makes 83 PS and 113 Nm and, with its 850-kg-odd weight, the Ignis feels very peppy. Its wide track, front and rear, also endows it with a reassuring planted feel and that, coupled with its tall-ish design, is a good hand to play in the handling department. The Ignis is quick off the mark and feels nimble. The gearbox is sure and slots in nicely. Well-spaced ratios make it easier to live with, too, city or highway. My only gripes were the tyre noise at speed on the open ECR Highway and the steering feel, which is quite numb.
For its intended application, it exceeds expectations. There are few cars out there that combine space, practicality and a long equipment list. However, that list also comes at a price. The petrol Alpha retails for Rs 6.85 lakh and that’s without the options. That’s right; it has a bunch of customisation choices, especially with the ‘Tinsel Blue’ and ‘Uptown Red’ colours: a black roof, or even a white roof with the blue. You can also choose from a selection of roof-wrap patterns regardless of which exterior paint colour you choose. The base ‘Sigma’ Ignis starts from Rs 4.69 lakh. The Delta trim with the ‘Auto Gear Shift’ (AGS) costs Rs 5.87 lakh, all ex-showroom, Pune.
Need To Know – Maruti Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Alpha
Price: Rs 6.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune)
Engine: 1,197 cc, in-line four, petrol
Max Power: 83 PS at 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 113 Nm at 4,200 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, front-wheel drive
Ignis Diesel AGS on page 3 >
